Photo: X-Tomi Design
For the most part, subcompact crossovers are treated like economy cars in Europe. They have to be cost-competitive and frugal, not exciting and posh like their bigger brothers. However, Ford is willing to gamble people will want its Puma ST.
Even though we can mention the Nissan Juke Nismo RS, the Puma ST could be the first car of its kind, an affordable sports crossover with about 200 horsepower. This is especially true when you adjust the Nismo's price for inflation and consider it was lacking fun factor.
However, the rivals aren't too far behind. SEAT, for example, is rumored to put the 200 HP 2.0 TSI from the Polo GTI inside its Arona. Meanwhile, the fine folks at Renault Sport have been eyeing the Captur RS for many years.
But the Puma ST is undeniably on its way. While Ford officials wouldn't confirm anything during the official launch of the base car, we've seen a Puma prototype testing at the Nurburgring with the exhaust system of the Fiesta ST. This is a huge tell, considering the two have very similar running gear. So expect a 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder with 200 horsepower to pop under that hood next year.
We almost forgot to talk about the two renderings we have for you today via X-Tomi Design. After trimming the Puma with ST looks, the artist also added elements from the iconic Focus RS. This results in an iconic look, with wide fenders and gaping air intakes.
While the Puma crossover isn't our first pick for the RS treatment, we'd still like to see this happen. At this point, it's not clear if Ford can even make such a thing, given the limitations of the platform. But given the first Focus ST was a FWD car, we don't see the need for all paws to be pulling.
However, the rivals aren't too far behind. SEAT, for example, is rumored to put the 200 HP 2.0 TSI from the Polo GTI inside its Arona. Meanwhile, the fine folks at Renault Sport have been eyeing the Captur RS for many years.
But the Puma ST is undeniably on its way. While Ford officials wouldn't confirm anything during the official launch of the base car, we've seen a Puma prototype testing at the Nurburgring with the exhaust system of the Fiesta ST. This is a huge tell, considering the two have very similar running gear. So expect a 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder with 200 horsepower to pop under that hood next year.
We almost forgot to talk about the two renderings we have for you today via X-Tomi Design. After trimming the Puma with ST looks, the artist also added elements from the iconic Focus RS. This results in an iconic look, with wide fenders and gaping air intakes.
While the Puma crossover isn't our first pick for the RS treatment, we'd still like to see this happen. At this point, it's not clear if Ford can even make such a thing, given the limitations of the platform. But given the first Focus ST was a FWD car, we don't see the need for all paws to be pulling.
Google News